6 Kebab Recipes Perfect for Grilling (2024)

1

6 Kebab Recipes Perfect for Grilling (1)

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Chili-Lime Grilled Tofu Kebabs

Many people steer clear of tofu because they’re not quite sure how to cook it.This simple method, however, will appeal to vegetarians and omnivores alike. Tofu is made from soybeans and is an excellent source of protein, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Serve tofu kebabs over a small salad, quinoa, or brown rice for a complete meal.

contains Soy

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

190

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

7 min

TOTAL TIME

22 min

Ingredients

1 14-oz package extra-firm tofu, cut into 12 cubes

2 fresh limes, juiced

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp chili powder

½ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

1 summer squash, cut into large cubes

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1 cup baby portobello mushrooms

1 small yellow onion, cut into large cubes

Directions

1

Place 2 paper towels on a plate and top with tofu. Place 2 more paper towels on top of tofu and top with another plate to add weight. Microwave for 2 minutes to help remove some of the moisture from tofu.

2

In a medium bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro, if desired. Whisk together lightly.

3

Generously grease the grill, then preheat to medium.

4

Evenly divide tofu, squash, tomatoes, mushrooms, and onion among 4 large (or 6 medium) skewers. Lightly brush with the marinade on all sides.

5

Grill until tofu begins to brown and vegetables are tender, about 7–10 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush with marinade regularly while cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving sizeI skewer

calories

190

total fat

12g

saturated fat

1.7g

protein

12g

carbohydrates

10g

fiber

3.2g

sugar

4.2g

added sugar

0g

sodium

169mg

TAGS:

Soy, Anti-Inflammatory, Diabetes-Friendly, Gluten-free, Heart-Healthy, Low-Carbohydrate, Mediterranean, Quick & Easy, Vegan, Vegetarian

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2

6 Kebab Recipes Perfect for Grilling (2)

iStock

Mixed Fruit Kebabs

Fruit kebabs make for a quick, easy, and nutritious summer dessert. They can be made with just about any fruit you have on hand and enjoyed raw or grilled to caramelize the natural sugars for an even deeper flavor. Pineapple, bananas, and peaches are especially delicious when grilled. Serve these kebabs with the yogurt sauce for dipping. Plus, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of getting several phytochemicals in the many colors of these fruits, as Rush University states.

contains Dairy

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

208

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

1 cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt

1½ tbsp honey

¾ tsp pure vanilla extract

¼ tsp ground cinnamon

6 cups assorted fruit (such as bananas, peaches, fresh pineapple, fresh clementines, strawberries, or fresh figs)

Directions

1

In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. Lightly mix to combine.

2

Evenly divide fruit among 8 skewers. Generously grease the grill, if desired, and preheat it to medium. Grill fruit skewers, turning every few minutes, until lightly browned on all sides.

3

Serve with yogurt dip.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2 kebabs

calories

208

total fat

2g

saturated fat

0.8g

protein

8g

carbohydrates

44g

fiber

4.1g

sugar

35.5g

added sugar

7.6g

sodium

23mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Anti-Inflammatory, Gluten-free, Family-Friendly, Dessert, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Low-Sodium, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy

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3

6 Kebab Recipes Perfect for Grilling (3)

Ellie Baygulov/Stocksy

Chicken Shawarma Kebabs

The traditional Middle Eastern dish shawarma comes from a word that means “turning,” because the meat is cooked on a slowly turning spit, according to Neomonde Mediterranean.A yogurt marinade adds nutritional value and a nice crust when cooked, according to Bon Appétit. With this recipe you'll enjoy the rich flavors of shawarma without needing a spit in your kitchen. Serve with cucumber and tomato salad.

contains Dairy

5.0 out of 7 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

397

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

50 min

Ingredients

⅔ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp ground turmeric

2 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced lengthwise

3 medium fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced

4 small fresh radishes, whole or thinly sliced (per your preference)

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1

In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Gently mix together.

2

Add chicken to bowl and gently stir to evenly coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Just before removing chicken from refrigerator, lightly grease the grill and preheat it to medium.

3

Evenly divide chicken pieces among 4 large skewers and grill until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10 minutes, turning halfway through.

4

Place cucumbers, tomatoes, and radishes in a serving bowl. Top with vinegar and oil and stir to evenly coat vegetables. Serve alongside chicken skewers.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

397

total fat

16g

saturated fat

2.7g

protein

52g

carbohydrates

12g

fiber

3.5g

sugar

6.1g

added sugar

0g

sodium

363mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Gluten-free, High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate, Dinner

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4

6 Kebab Recipes Perfect for Grilling (4)

Nadine Greeff/Stocksy

Marinated Rainbow Veggie Kebabs

Meat tends to steal the show when it comes to kebabs, but it doesn’t have to be that way. These bright and tender kebabs allow veggies to take center stage, but they don’t have to be served alone. Choose any of the other protein-based kebabs in this list (which can be cooked at the same time) to round out your meal. Have additional or different vegetable on hand? Throw them on the skewers, too. There’s no wrong veggieto skewer!

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

133

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

20 min

Ingredients

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¼ cup fresh or bottled lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

¼ tsp dried basil

¼ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 small head fresh cauliflower, cut into florets

2 cups whole white button mushrooms

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions

1

Lightly grease and preheatgrill to medium.

2

In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together lightly.

3

Place vegetables on a baking sheet and drizzle marinade evenly over them. Toss gently to coat and thread onto skewers.

4

Grill until vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes, turning halfway through.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2 kebabs

calories

133

total fat

9g

saturated fat

1.4g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

10g

fiber

2.7g

sugar

3.8g

added sugar

0g

sodium

231mg

TAGS:

Gluten-free, Dinner, Anti-Inflammatory, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Vegan, Side Dish

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5

6 Kebab Recipes Perfect for Grilling (5)

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Garlic Lime Shrimp Kebabs

Lots of people are afraid to try seafood on the grill, but kebabs are the ideal way, because you won’t risk anything slipping down between the grates. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, according to the USDA, and delivers the all-important omega-3s that most Americans don’t get enough of. Plus, it cooks quickly, so it’s a great fast meal when you’re in a hurry.

contains Shellfish

5.0 out of 10 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

137

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

10 min

Ingredients

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 fresh limes, juiced

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

½ tsp ground cumin

¼ tsp ground paprika

½ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1½ lb raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions

1

In a plastic bag, combine garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2

Divide shrimp evenly among 6 skewers. Add shrimp skewers to the plastic bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

3

Lightly oil grill and preheatto medium.

4

Grill shrimp, with grill covered, and cook until opaque, about 2 minutes per side.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 skewer

calories

137

total fat

7g

saturated fat

0.9g

protein

16g

carbohydrates

2g

fiber

0.2g

sugar

0.3g

added sugar

0g

sodium

591mg

Tips

To make these shrimp keto-friendly, serve them atop a sliced avocado.

To make these shrimp keto-friendly, serve them atop a sliced avocado.

TAGS:

Shellfish, Gluten-free, Diabetes-Friendly, Dinner, Heart-Healthy, Low-Carbohydrate, Mediterranean, Quick & Easy, Paleo Diet, Whole30 Diet

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6

6 Kebab Recipes Perfect for Grilling (6)

Anastasia Nurullina/iStock

Greek Lemon Chicken Kebabs With Tzatziki

Mix tzatziki sauce with your grilled chicken to add moisture and flavor. Tzatziki is made with a base of Greek yogurt, which adds an extra dose of protein and calcium to your meal. Calcium is essential for bone health, and yogurt is a top dietary source of calcium, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Add a tomato, cucumber, and red onion salad, for a complete meal.

contains Dairy

4.0 out of 281 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

294

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

55 min

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenderloins, cut into 1" pieces

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 fresh lemon, juiced, divided

3 cloves garlic (2 minced and 1 grated)

½ tsp ground cumin

¼ tsp ground turmeric

¾ tsp kosher salt, divided

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt

1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped

½ cup grated cucumber

Directions

1

To a large zip-close bag, add chicken, 3 tbspolive oil, all but 1 tbsp of lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, turmeric, ½ tsp kosher salt, and pepper. Close bag and mix with your hands until chicken is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

2

In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice, grated garlic, the remaining ¼ tsp kosher salt, yogurt, and dill. Stir to combine.

3

Place cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or several paper towels and squeezetightly to remove any excess moisture. Gently stir it into yogurt mixture. Set tzatziki sauce aside until serving.

4

Generously oil the grill and preheat it to medium.

5

Evenly divide chicken pieces among 4 skewers. Grill until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10–15 minutes, turning halfway through. Serve with tzatziki sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

294

total fat

16g

saturated fat

2.6g

protein

32g

carbohydrates

5g

fiber

0.3g

sugar

2.7g

added sugar

0g

sodium

307mg

Tips

To make these kebabs keto-friendly, use whole-fat yogurt and drizzle the kebabs with extra-virgin olive oil before serving.

To make these kebabs keto-friendly, use whole-fat yogurt and drizzle the kebabs with extra-virgin olive oil before serving.

TAGS:

Dairy, Diabetes-Friendly, Gluten-free, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Low-Carbohydrate, High-Protein, Dinner

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6 Kebab Recipes Perfect for Grilling (2024)

FAQs

How to make the perfect kabobs on the grill? ›

Perfectly Grilled Kabobs

Cut the meats and veggies into similar shapes and sizes so they cook evenly. Cut the meat and veggies slightly bigger than the space between the grill grates. Grilling consistently over medium heat is better than using high heat. You'll get tough, burned, or scorched pieces above 400F.

What makes the perfect kebab? ›

The Meat and Veggies

Traditionally made with marinated lamb, modern shish kebab ingredients range from beef to pork, chicken, seafood, and even tofu. The meat generally gets marinated for up to a day ahead, both for flavor and tenderness. Do this before you put it on the skewers.

Should I put foil on the grill for kabobs? ›

5: Get some help from aluminum foil.

“This way, the produce still cooks and gets some char, but the direct heat is less aggressive and the kebabs stay intact.”

What is the best meat for grilling kabobs? ›

Top of the Line

The best cut of beef for kebabs is definitely filet mignon. Other excellent beef options include Porterhouse, and if it looks good at the butcher or in the meat counter, also try a rib-eye. They all grill nicely and don't require a marinade to make them tender.

How do you grill kabobs without burning vegetables? ›

Putting meat and veggies on the same skewer is an amateur move. Since they cook dissimilarly, the veggies will burn before the meat is cooked, especially if you're cooking chicken. So, skewer them separately, veggies on one skewer, meat on another.

What veggies go good on kabobs? ›

Some of my favorites for kabobs are: bell peppers (any color), zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, onions (I like red onions, but yellow onions or shallots are great too), and tomatoes (smaller cherry or grape tomatoes). I've also tried grilled brussels sprouts on skewers and loved them!

Do you grill kabobs with the lid open or closed? ›

4) Then, prepare the grill for direct grilling over medium heat (350-450 degrees) and allow it to preheat for 10-15 minutes. Brush the cooking grate clean. 5) Now, grill the Kabobs over direct medium heat turning once or twice. Keep the lid closed as much as possible.

Should I Precook vegetables for kabobs? ›

3. Pre-cook Tougher Veggies. Longer-cooking vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and fennel should be par-boiled until just tender (5 to 10 minutes) beforehand so all the ingredients cook in the same amount of time.

What are the 3 kebab meats? ›

The traditional meat for kebabs is most often lamb meat, but regional recipes may include beef, goat, chicken, fish, or even pork (depending on whether or not there are specific religious prohibitions).

How do you keep kebabs from sticking to the grill? ›

Be sure the kebabs are also slicked in some nonstick spray or oil, and threaded through grill skewers, and you should be good to go. Remember, on a properly prepared grill, food should naturally release when seared. If it is sticking, give it another minute and don't force it.

How do you keep kabobs from sticking to the grill? ›

Rub olive oil onto the hot grates before you put the kabobs on the grill. Soak a paper towel with olive oil, then hold the towel in a set of tongs and rub the oil all over the grilling surface.

How do you grill kabobs without burning sticks? ›

Soak Skewers Before Adding Food

After allowing them to soak for at least an hour, remove the skewers from the dish and add your food to them. Neither bamboo nor wood skewers will hold a significant amount of moisture, but soaking them for an hour should create a moist exterior that protects them burning.

How do you grill kabobs without burning skewers? ›

You can also leave long edges of the skewers hanging over the edge of the barbecue, which will keep them from burning over the direct heat. If you have a multi-burner grill, you can also position the exposed ends of the skewer above a burner that's either off or on a lower heat setting.

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